>> Battle over mifepristone access
>> Deadly virus in U.S. territories
>> Allergy Sufferers Suffer More
The Med & Mic™ 04.10.23
MED NEWS blog post from Dr. Maria ON Speaking, LLC
Conflicting Decisions on Mifepristone
A federal judge in Texas has suspended the FDA’s approval of mifepristone. If the decision is enacted, there would be a nationwide ban that would block access in all states, even those in which abortion is legal. The drug, approved in 2000, is half of a two-drug regimen to end pregnancy without surgery. At the same time, another judge in the Pacific Northwest made a decision that would prevent the FDA from making any changes to the drug’s availability. These types of conflicting decisions often go to the Supreme Court. (Source: MedPage Today, S. Firth, 4.7.23)
Dengue in the Caribbean
U.S. territories in the Caribbean have seen an uptick in dengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness that can cause fever and rash, and in severe cases, death. In the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, the disease is endemic. Based on blood tests, more than half of the children in the Virgina Islands have already been infected. A repeat bout of dengue can become life-threatening within hours. A vaccine became available in the U.S. last year. Children can only receive the vaccine if they’ve already been infected. It is not available for travelers. Children have a higher risk of illness and death. (Source: USA Today, N. Hassanein, 4.10.23)
Longer Allergy Season
U.S. Department of Agriculture research indicates that pollen season starts 20 days earlier, lasts ten days longer, and has 21% more pollen compared to 1990. Allergists say climate change and carbon emissions have led plants to have longer growing seasons and higher pollen levels. Treating allergies before the start of the season can be helpful. (Source: ABC News, M. Kekatos, 4.7.23)
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